Calculating rule

ABSTRACT

A calculating rule comprises three coaxial cylindrical elements displaceable relative to one another by rotation. The outer cylinder has at least one transparent window and the intermediate cylinder is transparent. Each cylinder carries an index line serving as a reference line or carrying graduations. At least one of the index lines is helicoidal so that one index line intersects the two others at an angle different to 90*. Preferably, rotation of the intermediate cylinder relative to the outer one causes automatic rotation of the inner cylinder, but not vice versa. At least one of the elements can be planar.

United States Patent Progin Sept. 5, 1972 [54] CALCULATING RULE [72]Inventor: Bernard Progin, Avenue- Henri- Galay, 12c, Geneva, Switzerland22 Filed: Nov. 18,1970

[21] Appl.No.: 90,569

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Dec. 1, 1969 Switzerland..17884/69 [52] U.S.Cl ..235/79.5 51 Int. Cl. ..G06g 1/00 [58] Field ofSearch ..235/61 B, 70 R, 79.5, 87 R, 235/89R [56] References CitedUNITED STATES PATENTS 1,080,811 12/1913 Colwell. ..235/79.5 2,451,84210/1948 Liebmann et al.....235/79.5 X 2,511,270 6/1950 Kahan ..235/79.53,147,915 9/1964 Cresswell, Jr ..235/79.5

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 813,546 3/1937 France ..235/82 I I I I,l Id, I I l I l l I m 'l I, M I l '1 .m l

o I IV I, N. l c l I 0 J1 v I .1 /l

' 931,839 11/1947 France .....235/61 B 1,020,031 11/1952 France..235/79.5 1,165,226 5/1958 France ..235/87 778,556 7/1957 Great Britain..235/79.5 443,905 1/1949 Italy ..235/87 Primary Examiner-Richard B.Wilkinson Assistant Examiner-Stanley A. Wal Attorney-Emory L. Groff andEmory L. Grofi, Jr.

[ ABSTRACT A calculating rule comprises three coaxial cylindricalelements displaceable relative to one another by rotation. The outercylinder has at least one transparent window and the intermediatecylinder is transparent. Each cylinder carries an index line serving asa reference line or carrying graduations. At least one of the indexlines is helicoidal so that one index line intersects the two others atan angle different to 90. Preferably, rotation of the intermediatecylinder relative to the outer one causes automatic rotation of theinner cylinder, but not vice versa. At least one of the elements can beplanar.

6 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PKTENTEBSEP 5 Ian sun-:1 1 or 2 INVENTORZ//////////// V////////////V s BEf/YARD FROG/N ATTORNEY CALCULATING RULEThis invention relates to calculating rules. According to the mainaspect of the invention, there is provided a calculating rule comprisingthree superposed elements displaceable relative to one another an upperelement having at least one transparent window, a transparentintermediate element, and a lower element; each element carrying anindex line, at least one of the index lines carrying a graduated scaleand at least one index line serving as a reference line, one of theindex lines being arranged to intersect the two other index lines at anangle different to 90, the points of intersection of the index linesbeing visible through said at least one window, and relativedisplacement of the elements causing displacement of the points ofintersection of the index lines.

In a preferred embodiment of calculating rule, the three elements arecoaxial cylinders displaceable relative to one another by rotation.

The accompanying drawings show, schematically and by way of example, anembodiment of calculating rule according to the invention, as well asthree variants thereof In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective elevational view of a calculatingrule.

FIG. 2 is'a partial expanded view of the cylinders composing the rule.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section, on enlarged scale, through one of the ends ofthis rule.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are partial'enlarged diagrammatic views of two modifiedembodiments; and

FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged diagrammatic view of a third modifiedembodiment.

The principle of this calculating rule is to use three support elements1, 2, 3 displaceable relative to one another, t these support elementsbeing superposed, at least the intermediate element 2being transparentand the external or upper element 3 having at least one transparentwindow. Each support element 1, 2, 3 carries an index line A, B, Crespectively, at least one of the index lines being a reference line,for example A and B in FIG. 2, and at least one of the index linesincluding a graduated scale, for example C in FIG. 2. At least one ofthe index lines is traced in a manner to cross the two others at anangle different to 90, so that reading of values can take place bylocating the point of intersection of the lines A, B,-C.

The calculating rule shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 comprises threeconcentric hollow cylindrical tubes relatively rotatable in relation toone another, the tubes 1 and 2 each carrying helicoidal reference lineA, B respectively. The intermediate tube 2 is made of a transparentmaterial. A transparent rectilinear slot is provided in the opaqueexternal tube 3, so as to form a window 7 provided with .alogarithmically graduated scale C. The setting of values takes place byadjusting the points of intersection of the helicoidal lines A and Bwith the logarithmic scale C by relative displacement of the appropriatetubes. These points of intersection are visible through the window 7.

Referring to FIG. 3, the inner tube 1 comprises a shoulder 4 by means ofwhich a slight friction is obtained between itself and the median tube2. On the median tube 2 is mounted a ring 5 fixed by a screw. This ringenables regulation of the frictional force between the median tube 2 andthe outer tube 3, by means of an elastic washer 6 on the latter. Thefrictional force obtained between the two tubes 3 and 2 is arranged tobe greater than that between the tubes 2 and 1. Hence, rotation of thetube 1 does not cause rotation of the tube 2 when the tube 3 is held,whilst rotation of the tube 2 automatically causes rotation of thetube 1. The relative angular position between the tube 1 and the tube 2will thus not be modified by the rotation of the tube 2 in relation tothe tube 3. There is thus established a ratio of values which will beconstant.

The external tube 3 provided with the transparent window. 7 serves as asupport for the assembly. The inner tube 1 is preferably provided in anopaque material, for example a white material.

The helicoidal reference lines A and B inscribed on the tubes 1 and 2are of different colors, for example red and blue respectively.

, Operation of the calculating rule will be described by givingan'example of the execution of a multiplication operation, namely themultiplication 7.5 X 2.35.

By rotation of the median tube 2, the blue helicoidal lien B isdisplaced until it intersects the logarithmic scale C at the value (7.5)of the multiplicand. By rotation of the inner tube 1, the red helicoidalline A is then brought until it intersects the logarithmic scale C atthe value 1 or 10. During this second operation, the blue helicoidalline B remains at the set value 7.5 so that there has thus beenestablished a ratio (7.5/l) which will not be modified by furtherrotation of the median tube 2, which rotates the inner tube 1 with it.It then suffices to bring the red helicoidal line A onto themultiplicator (2.35) by rotation of the median tube 2. The result (17.62is read at the intersection of the blue helicoidal line B with thelogarithmic scaleC.

Divisions take place by proceeding in the same manner, but in thereverse order.

FIG. 4 is a partial expanded diagrammatic view of a modification havingthe same basic constructional features as before, by comprising twoparallel helicoidal logarithmic scales D and E which are traced on thetubes 1 and 2, their relative position being located by the intersectionwith a reference line F inscribed longitudinally on the outer tube 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial expanded diagrammatic view of a second modificationhaving the same basic constructional features as before, but comprisingtwo parallel logarithmic scales inscribed in the longitudinal directionalong two tubes 1 and 2, their relative position being located by theintersection of a helicoidal reference line I inscribed on the exteriortube 3. It is advantageous in this embodiment for the outer tube 3 to betransparent; alternatively anoblique window 7 could be provided.

FIG. 6- is a partial expanded diagrammatic view of a third modificationhaving the same basic constructional features as before, but comprisingtwo reference lines J and K of generally helicoidal shape, tracedaccording to a logarithmic function of imaginary linear scales on thetubes 1 and 2. The relative position of lines J and K is determined bytheir points of intersection with a linear scale C inscribed along theexterior tube 3.

Operation of the modification shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 takes place inan analogous manner to that for the main embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2and 3; in each case a constant ratio of values is set up, and this ratiois displaced by rotating the tube 2.

With reference to FIG. 4, the diagram illustrates obtaining the resultof a multiplication such as 2.20 X 2.35 5.17.

To carry out such a multiplication, scale E is a first turned so as tohave its index mark 1 coincide with line F, and scale D is shifted tobring its graduation 2.20 to coincide with line F. The two scales arethen moved together until the graduation 2.35 of scale E intersects lineF as illustrated in FIG. 4. The result 5.17 is given by the intersectionof scale D with line F.

FIG. illustrates the operation 2 X 2.5 5. To carry out this operation,the l of graduation G is'first made to coincide with line I, andgraduation H is then moved to bring 2.5 to coincide with line I. The twoscales G and H are then moved simultaneously until the 2 of scale Gcoincides with line I, and the result of the operation is given by theintersection of line! with scale H.

In the case of FIG. 6, line K is moved so as to intersect scale L at itsgraduation 1, while line J is moved so as to intersect it at graduation2. The two lines J and K are then moved together in the positionillustrated in FIG. 6 to obtain the multiplication of the first factor(2) by the second factor (3) which is given by the intersection of lineK with scale L. The result (6) of the operation is given by theintersection of line .I with scale L.

It would also be possible to use the same system for a calculating rulewith parallel support surfaces displaceable relative to one anotherinstead of concentric tubes. For example, planar, spherical, or othersurfaces having the characteristics shown in figs. 2, 4, 5 or 6 could beused.

One of the advantages of the new type of calculating rule describedabove resides in that it can be incorporated with virtually anycylindrical object such as a pencil, pen, tool handle, and so on. Forexample, the outer tube 3 could be formed by the body of a pen, or bythe outer coating of a tool handle.

To facilitate reading, even in obscure conditions, a luminous sourcecould be provided inside the inner cylinder 1 which could be made intransparent or translucent material. Of course, the window 7 could beprovided with a magnifying glass to facilitate reading.

In the case where such a calculating rule was inserted, for example, inan automobile vehicle dashboard or aircraft control panel only thewindow 7 would be visible thereon; the external cylinder 3 beingreplaced by a simple plate placed against the dashboard or controlpanel. Knobs fixed to the cylinders 1 and 2 and protruding throughopenings in the dashboard or control panel would enable manipulation ofthe rule.

As a further modification, all three index lines could be helicoidal,one index line spiralling in one sense, and the other two in the othersense, for example.

Iclaim:

l. A calculating rule comprising three tubular support elements whichare superposed and displaceable relative to one another, a referenceline on each ele ment, at least one of said reference lines including agraduated scale, the external element having at least one transparentwindow, the intermediate element beingmade of transparent material, atleast one of the re erence li es being drawn in a an er t crosa the 0 ertwo re erence mes at an ang e 0 er t an 9 so that reading of values cantake place by locating the point of intersection of the lines, firstfriction means between the inner element and the intermediate element,second friction means between the intermediate element and the externalelement, the frictional torque exerted by the first friction means beingless than the torque exerted by said second friction means, in such amanner that rotation of the inner element does not cause rotation of theintermediate element when the external element is fixed, while rotationof the intermediate element automatically causes rotation of the innerelement, the relative angular position between the inner element and theintermediate element remaining unchanged by the rotation of theintermediate element.

2. A calculating rule as claimed in claim 1, in which the intermediateelement and the inner element each carry a rectilinear reference lineparallel to the axis of the elements, the said rectilinear referencelines each being provided with a logarithmically graduated scale, andthe external element carries a-helicoidal reference line.

3. A calculating rule as claimed in claim 2, in which the externalelement is transparent.

4. A calculating rule as claimed in claim 1, in which the externalelement carries a rectilinear reference line parallel to the axis of theelements and provided with a linear graduation, the intermediate andinner elements each carrying a reference line according to a logarithmicfunction of the said linear graduation.

5. A calculating rule as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the reference lineson said intermediate element and inner element each have helicoidalreference lines which are provided with logarithmically graduated scalesand the window of said external element is rectilinear and parallel tothe axis of said elements.

6. A calculating rule comprising three support elements which aresuperposed and displaceable relative to one another at least two of saidelements being tubular, a reference line on each element, at least oneof said reference lines including a graduated scale, the externalelement having at least one transparent window, the intermediate elementbeing made of transparent material, at least one of the reference linesbeing drawn in a manner to cross the other two reference lines at anangle other than so that reading of values can take place by locatingthe point of intersection of the lines, first friction means between theinner element and the intermediate element, second friction meansbetween the intermediate element and the external element, thefrictional torque exerted by the first friction means being less thanthe torque exerted by said second friction means, in such a manner thatrotation of the inner element does not cause rotation of theintermediate element with the external element being maintained fixed,while rotation of the intermediate element automatically causes rotationof the inner element, the relative angular position between the innerelement and the intermediate element remaining unchanged by the rotationof the intermediate element.

1. A calculating rule comprising three tubular support elements whichare superposed and displaceable relative to one another, a referenceline on each element, at least one of said reference lines including agraduated scale, the external element having at least one transparentwindow, the intermediate element being made of transparent material, atleast one of the reference lines being drawn in a manner to cross theother two reference lines at an angle other than 90*, so that reading ofvalues can take place by locating the point of intersection of thelines, first friction means between the inner element and theintermediate element, second friction means between the intermediateelement and the external element, the frictional torque exerted by thefirst friction means being less than the torque exerted by said secondfriction means, in such a manner that rotation of the inner element doesnot cause rotation of the intermediate element when the external elementis fixed, while rotation of the intermediate element automaticallycauses rotation of the inner element, the relative angular positionbetween the inner element and the intermediate element remainingunchanged by the rotation of the intermediate element.
 2. A calculatingrule as claimed in claim 1, in which the intermediate element and theinner element each carry a rectilinear reference line parallel to theaxis of the elements, the said rectilinear reference lines each beingprovided with a logarithmically graduated scale, and the externalelement carries a helicoidal reference line.
 3. A calculating rule asclaimed in claim 2, in which the external element is transparent.
 4. Acalculating rule as claimed in claim 1, in which the external elementcarries a rectilinear reference line parallel to the axis of theelements and provided with a linear graduation, the intermediate andinner elements each carrying a reference line according to a logarithmicfunction of the said linear graduation.
 5. A calculating rule as claimedin claim 1 wherein, the reference lines on said intermediate element andinner element each have helicoidal reference lines which are providedwith logarithmically graduated scales and the window of said externalelement is rectilinear and parallel to the axis of said elements.
 6. Acalculating rule comprising three support elements which are superposedand displaceable relative to one another at least two of said elementsbeing tubular, a reference line on each element, at least one of saidreference lines including a graduated scale, the external element havingat least one transparent window, the intermediate element being made oftransparent material, at least one of the reference lines being drawn ina manner to cross the other two reference lines at an angle other than90*, so that reading of values can take place by locating the point ofintersection of the lines, first friction means between the innerelement and the intermediate element, second friction means between theintermediate element and the external element, the frictional torqueexerted by the first friction means being less than the torque exertedby said second friction means, in such a manner that rotation of theinner element does not cause rotation of the intermediate element withthe external element being maintained fixed, while rotation of theintermediate element automatically causes rotation of the inner element,the relative angular position between the inner element and theintermediate element remaining unchanged by the rotation of theintermediate element.